THE Government will intensify measures to improve market access for Zimbabwean products during the National Development Strategy (NDS 2) period (2026-2030) through initiatives to expand exports, enhance competitiveness and deepen integration into regional and global markets.
NDS 2 is Zimbabwe’s next medium-term economic blueprint and builds on the foundation laid during NDS 1 (2021–2025).
“During NDS 2, the Government will intensify efforts to improve market access through several initiatives, including identifying countries with potential markets for Zimbabwean products.
“These efforts will be complemented by enhanced trade promotion, branding of local products and support for exporters to meet international standards, thereby increasing the competitiveness of the products on the global market.
African Continental Free Trade Area
“The Government will also prioritise the development of enabling infrastructure and a conducive business environment. This includes investing in transport networks to facilitate the efficient movement of goods and services, modernising logistics systems and ensuring reliable digital connectivity,” reads part of the NDS 2 document.
In line with strengthening Zimbabwe’s international trade footprint, the Government said it remained committed to positioning the country as a key hub for regional, continental and global trade engagement.
“Furthermore, the Government is committed to strengthening the national brand, international relations and trade through the hosting of strategic regional, continental and global events.
“In this regard, having been awarded the rights to permanently host the headquarters of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) company, the Government is committed to upholding the responsibilities and obligations associated with such prestigious mandates.”
As part of the broader trade reform agenda, the Government will also focus on improving preferential market access through trade agreements.
“During NDS 2, the ratification and domestication of trade agreements for preferential market access will be prioritised. In this regard, the Government will leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand market access, boost international trade and accelerate the country’s economic integration.”
The Government further underscored the importance of value addition and beneficiation as a cornerstone of export growth.
“During NDS 2, to successfully compete in regional and global markets, the Government will promote and facilitate trade in value-added products across export-oriented industries. This will see the implementation of a cohesive and strategic set of policies that enhance the international competitiveness of domestic firms.
“The promotion of value-added exports will involve the provision of targeted support, such as export incentives, fiscal support through duty drawback or exemption schemes, market access facilitation and export financial facilities to firms targeting to penetrate new foreign markets.
“The interventions to facilitate exports of value-added agricultural and mineral products will enable the country to fully benefit from its membership in various regional and international groupings.”
SADC
To ensure effective coordination and trade facilitation, institutions will be brought under a unified framework.
“The respective trade facilitation institutions will be coordinated under the umbrella of ZimTrade, embracing Government, border agencies and business organisations — also upscaling the profiling of regional and international export opportunities.
Promotion and facilitation will ensure that domestic enterprises are fully cognisant of the available preferential market access and tariffs arrangements under bilateral, regional, continental and international trade agreements, including those under SADC, COMESA, AfCFTA, among others.”
The AfCFTA is a flagship project of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which aims to boost intra-African trade by providing a comprehensive and mutually beneficial trade agreement among member states, covering trade in goods and services, investment, intellectual property rights and competition policy.
Under the agreement, Africa expects the AfCFTA implementation to increase the mobility of the continent’s people, goods and services, with attendant necessities for institutions to harmonise and integrate much of its operational systems, regulations and mechanisms.
Estimates indicate the AfCFTA could boost the continental economy from about US$3 trillion (2020) to about US$8 trillion by 2030.
This approach, the Government said, will assist in identifying niche markets where local products can compete favourably.
“This will help with the identification of specific global market niches where Zimbabwean-manufactured goods have a competitive advantage, allowing companies to target their production and marketing efforts effectively.
“Government will engage in active market access facilitation through negotiating beneficial trade agreements, funding export promotion agencies to provide market intelligence and supporting firms in meeting stringent international quality standards.”
Digital transformation and investment facilitation will also play a central role in improving the ease of doing business.
“Furthermore, the Government will expand implementation of e-Government platforms for permits and licence processing. The digitisation of Government processes will enhance transparency, operational efficiency and minimise bureaucratic bottlenecks.
“To complement digital transformation, the Government will strengthen the implementation of the ZIDA Act to ensure full operationalisation of the One-Stop Investment Centre, including provincial outreach and digital service delivery.”
The Government said inclusive trade development remained a priority, with deliberate efforts to empower communities, women and youths.
“Government will promote the integration of local economic activities into formal trade and value chains by supporting community-based enterprises, cooperatives, small and medium-sized businesses and rural industries.
“Women and youth participation in trade opportunities will be promoted through targeted programmes. Furthermore, interventions will focus on capacity building, access to finance, market linkages and infrastructure development to enable local producers and traders to compete effectively in domestic and export markets.
“All existing and emerging trade opportunities at national and subnational levels will be deliberately aligned with community development priorities, ensuring that growth in trade translates into tangible benefits such as job creation, income generation and local value addition, benefitting all levels of society.”-herald
